Youth to Lead Forum on Teen Gatherings Thursday

The ramifications of large gatherings teens organize using social media have been widely covered by local media. 

One Cleveland Heights-based organization is hosting a forum to give kids an opportunity to respond and share their point of view on the events, often called "flash mobs," and other issues that people of their age group face. 

, an organization that provides out-of-school programs for middle schoolers, is hosting the youth-led discussion at from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. 

"In the last few weeks, a great deal has been said about the youth of Cleveland Heights and surrounding cities ... now it's their turn," according to an email from the organization.

Children and teens will discuss more than just what happened after the  on June 26, where some estimate that thousands of youth gathered. Fights broke out and 16 were arrested — a bad end to what most say was a . Cleveland Heights City Council  in the Coventry and Cedar Lee business districts just a few days after the event. And the second fair of the summer, which was scheduled for July 24, .  

The story of the Shaker Heights fireworks on July 4 is similar. The night began peacefully but was disrupted by fights, and police arrested two minors. 

Many believe that youth used social media like Twitter to get more people at both events.

Police chiefs from Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights said they are from South Euclid, Beachwood, University Heights and Lyndhurst, just to name a few, to discuss what can be done about these meet-ups and other issues.

But Thursday, kids are getting a chance to weigh in and offer solutions. All are welcome to attend.